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The Reporter. (Akron, Ohio), 2004-01-24

The Reporter. (Akron, Ohio), 2004-01-24 page 1

gtEtfe ^Reporter Email: wvwv reporter140juno.com Your Reporter Newspaper j primary mission isto... "Cover th ? V#ua of Northeastern Ohio comprehensively, fairly, and accurately " ^ Light In The Darkness January 24,2004 thru january 3i. 2004 SECTION A 25 Cents Per Copy Report Critical Of U.S. Presence In Iraq Special to the NNPA from the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder MINNEAPOLIS (NNPA) - A study released recently by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said, "Officials misrepresented threat from Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles programs over and above intelligence findings." The report challenged two of the Bush Administration's claims that led up to the war with Iraq. The administration said that Iraq had links to terrorist networks and possessed weapons that could pose an imminent threat to the United States. i But the Carnegie report brings into question the administration's failure to establish a link between Iraq and terrorist networks. There was "no solid evidence" that Saddam Hussein was connected to Osama bin-Laden or al Qaeda, the report said. It also stated that Iraq's nuclear program had been suspended for many years. Secretary of State Colin Powell disagreed with the findings of the Carnegie report. "This game is still unfolding," Powell said, and he reaffirmed his earlier position that Saddam Hussein did possess Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) and had used chemical weapons against Iraq's Kurdish population in the 1980s. However, Powell did acknowledge the lack of evidence linking Hussein to al Qaeda. In conflict with Powell's statements is the Carnegie report's statement that, "Iraq's largescale chemical weapon production capabilities were previously destroyed during Operation Desert Storm and Desert Fox." These two U.S.-led military operations occurred in 1991 and 1999 respectively, leaving a five to 10-year gap in time between Powell's references to Iraq's weapons program. The findings of the Carnegie report support what many opposed to the war have believed since President Bush declared his intent to wage war in Iraq: that the war was based on circumstantial and falsified evidence.Allegations made by a former Bush cabinet member, along with a study published by the Army War College, have further supported the Carnegie report. The evening of January 11, former Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill accused the Bush Administration of planning to overthrow Saddam Hussein prior to the September 11, 2001, bomb??? l ngs of the World Trade Center lowers and the Pentagon. "In the 23 months I was there, I never saw anything that I would characterize as evidence of weapons of mass destruction," O'Neill said in an interview on 60 Minutes. He added that the overthrow of Hussein was on the Hush agenda immediately when he took office three years ago. A report published by the \rmy War College, released to the public on January 12, said, ' The war against Iraq was not integral to the global war on terror, but rather a detour from it." Jeffery Record, a visiting research professor at the Strategic 1 1 I Studies Institute of the Army War College, also criticized the Bush Administration for not distinguishing al Qaeda from Saddam Hussein "The result has been an unnecessary preventive war of choice against a deterred Iraq that has created a new front in the Middle East for Islamic terrorism and diverted attention and resources away from securing the American homeland against further assault by an undeterrable al Qaeda." Record's report said. Military families and veterans have also voiced criticism of the Bush administration and the ongoing war in Iraq, as the num bers of U.S. casualties have continued to increase despite President Bush's announcement of the end to major conflict in May. According to the Department of Defense, there have been more than 2,800 wounded U.S. soldiers and more than 500 fatalities.The percentage of casualties among minorities, in particular, has steadily increased in recent wars. A study conducted by Scripps Howard News Service showed an increase in African-American deaths from 8 to 19 percent and a 2 to 14 percent increase in Latino deaths since the Korean War African-American soldiers represent 20 percent of U.S. fa-4 taiities in Iraq, according to 4 study reported by Scrippt Howard News Service "Nearly a fifth of the fatalities among U.S. troops in tne current war in Iraq are black, which will be the highest cost African Americans have paid in any of America's wars if the trend continues," the report said "Afficait Americans represent 13 percent of the U.S. population and 20 percent of all military person-* nel" The Scripps Howard study also said that deaths among Continued to Page A3 Black Press Of America Joins Hip Hop Summit To Boost Voter Registration ! A* election primaries get underway, a unique covergence of the newest cultural phenomena and one of the oldest forms of communication in the African American community join forces to Increase black voters. The first in a series of National HipHop Summit Network (HSAN) Tours convenes in Houston, Texas on January 31, creating a partnership between die Black Press of America, the National Newspaper Assoc itaion (NNPA) and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) to register 20 million new voters over the next five years. HSAN President and CEO, - -De. Benjamin Chavis Muhammad said, "Over die next five years, we will work to capture the minds and hearts of young people to get them involved in impacting change in < their life through the ballot box. ! We welcome the support of i NNPA newspapers reaching over 15 million readers weekly. Their role can play an extremely i important part in our efforts to i reach and involve our youth in I the political proces." i HSAN Chairman, Russell i Simmons said, "HSAN is dedi- i cated to harnessing the cultural relevance of Hip Hop rtiuslc to serve as a catalyst for education advocacy and other societal concerns fundamental to the wellbeing of at-risk youth throughout uie United States." The theme of the Houston Summit is "Taking Back Responsibility: Youth Economic & Political Empowerment" and this year's goal is to register 4 million new voters. The key focus will be encouraging youth to register to vote and take part in the political process. In 2004, Hip-Hop Summits are also scheduled in Los Angeles - February 14, Chicago - March 22, Detroit - May 22, New York - June 17, and Boston - July 26. "The NNPA endorses and supports this effort to increase voter registration and participation," said NNPA Chairperson, Sonceria (Sonny) Messiah Jiles. Ms. Messiah-Jiles, publisher of The Houston Defender, said the Summit's objectives "fit perfectly with those of the NNPA." Ms. Messiah-Jiles said that attaining and retaining the right to vote is part of the 176-year legacy of the Black Press. "The Black Press was in the trenches as people fought, marched and died so that African Americans could vote. We fought a hard fight for this right and must encourage our young people to exercise their right and responsibility to vote. Registering young people to vote is only half of the goal. HSAN will launch several initia lives to mobilize young people i to get to the polls and vote through Hip-Hop Team Vote. Black voters have played a strategic role in a number of elec| tions across the country. In 2000, the percentage of registered Black voters who went to the polls in Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania exceeded fifty percent. Both organizations are non-partisan. In the pages of our newspapers, we make a concerted effort to let our readers understand the power of their vote and the impact of their vote on the quality of their lives," said Ms. MessiahJiles. "In addition to increasing Uhr number of roistered Voters, NNPA will continue its long tradition. of informing, educating and empowering our readers on the many issues that affect their lives." Houston Hip-Hop Summit participants include HSAN Chairman Russell Simmons, Sea "P.Diddy" Combs, Master P., Beyonce, Busta Rhymes, and Erykah Badu. To learn more about the summits visit www. h iphopsumm itactionnet work org or www.blackpressusa.com. ?en Ckavb Mnkamnad Soacerla Mwtiah-Jiles I U Russell Simmons Airline Security Program Has 'SLAVE' Overtones By Hazel Trice Edney WPA Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON (NNPA) - The proposed computerized federal airline security system that would require passengers to present identification, undergo a background check and be colorcoded, based on their perceived risk, harkens back to slave laws that prevented Blacks from traveling, says a Harvard University researcher who specializes in privacy issues. "What this is really reminiscent of is what happened on plantations during slavery when ? Black people or persons of color had to have passes in order to travel," says Richard Sobel, a privacy pdlicy researcher at the Harvard Medical School. "Essentially, the 13th Amendment ended involuntary servitude, but when you have to ask the government's permission to do certain things such as to travel or to work, you are no longer your own person." Despite strong opposition from civil libertarians and civil rights activists, the Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administra tion is pushing ahead with the socalled CAPPS 2 program with hopes it will be in full operation within a month. It is a heightened version of the Computer Assisted Passenger PreScreening program (CAPPS 1), instituted to heighten security following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.The TSA argues that current security measures, which centers on the scrutiny of packages and people in search of potential weapons - is not enough. CAPPS II would collect the Continued to Page A3 1 Men Making A World Of Difference Three men in the Edward s-Retd family were honored at the Akron Black Women's Leadership Caucus Significant Men's Breakfast on Saturday, January 17,2004 at Guy's Party Center. Gregory Edwards, Donald Thornton and Marcus Reid, Sr. poses with family members Tracy Reid, Morris Reid, Marcus Reid Jr., Toni Reid, Mrs. Georgia Edwards, Edgar Barnett and Rev. Dr. Leland LaMar Jones Sr. - guest speaker. Ms. Maggie Fain is ABWLC president. Allie Nicholson was the Mistress of Ceremony. Daphne Dingle was breakfast chairperson. For story and more photos, see Page A4. Photo by Bill Ellis Jr. Inducted Into The National Honor Society On November 21,2003, Jasmine Denise Dorsey was inducted into the National Honor Society in a ceremony at Garfield High School where she is a senior. She was awarded a full academic scholarship to Ohio State University where she will be attending in the Fall of 2004, majoring in English and French. She currently has a 4.2 GPA. Ms. Dorsey was elected secretary of her senior class for the 2003-2004 school year and she also serves on Leadership, Peer Mediation, Student Council and is a Big Sister/Mentor. She is listed in "Who's Who Among American High Schools." She is also a member of Antioch Baptist Church here Rev. Dr. J. Wayman Butts is her pastor. She formerly served on the Usher Board and president of their youth group. Sheisemployed at Kentucky Fried thicken as a cashier. She is the daughter of Ms. Valerie Cudgel Dorsey and Rev. Eddie Dorsey of Atlanta. Georgia. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Velma L. Cudgel. Mrs. I.aura B. Dorsey of Atlanta, Georgia and Mr. Carl Love. Jasmine Denise Dorsey Sharpton To Receive Human Rights Award Rev. Alfred "Al" Charles Sharpton Jr., 2004 presidential candidate will be the recipient of the Alston-Jones International Civil and Human Rights Award at The Sit-In Movement Inc. 10th Annual Banquet. The banquet will be held on Feb. 6, in the Koury Convention Center. Greensboro, N.C. The event is being held in celebration of the 44th anniversary of the Sit-inMovement.Active in the civil rights movement since 1970, Sharpton is the founder of the National Youth Movement. In 2001, the human rights activist led a hunger strike protest after his arrest at the Vieques, Puerto Rico bombing range. Other award winners include Li John Withers, a leader of an all-black convoy in World War II. who violated Army orders to hide two young holocaust survivors in his trucking company, will receive the Trail Blazer's Award. The Sit-In Participant's Award will be presented to Rev. Mary Bender, one of the few white women to attend the predominately black Bennett College for women in the 1960s. Bender is being recognized for her courage and conviction in taking an unpopular stance within the majority community. Music for the banquet will be rendered by Mark Middleton of Blackstreet and Jimmy Person. For ticket info call (336) 2749199.King Day Community Awards Canton's Memorial Service, held at the Edward "Peel" Coleman Community Center, honored three citizens on Monday, January 19,2004. Allen Elementary School Principal Stephanie L. Patrick, Martin Luther King Jr. Program Chairperson (second from left) presents Community Service Awards to Sgt. Robert Easley, Ms. Bev Jordon, and Rev. Maurice King, pastor of Thomas U.M. Church . Rev. George Dunwoody, pastor of St. Mark's Baptist Church was the keynote speaker. Sandy Womack, principal of Lathrop Elementary School was the master of ceremonies. For more story and photos, see Section B. Photo by Bill Ellis Jr SCLC Service Awards Atty. Avery Friedman - Chief Council of the Fair Housing Council, Robin C. Cottingham - Senior Vice President KeyCorp, Lynnie G. Powell - retiring Asst. Deputy Director Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, and Dr. Larry L. Macon, Sr. - Pastor of Mt. Zion of Oakwood Village were honored at the SCLC's Third Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Dinner on Monday, January 19 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio. Former Mayor Michael White was the guest speaker Kim Johnson, of WZAK, was the Mistress of Ceremony. Rev. E. Theophilus Caviness - Pastor of Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church is Cleveland Chapter of SCLC president/CEO. Myron PICTURED: Robinson - Cleveland Urban League Executive Director watches as Robin C. Cottingham receives the SCLC Excellence In Service Award from Madelyn Y. Hardy - SCLC Executive Secretary. For story and more photos, see Page A6. Photo by Bill Ellis Jr. New Report Details Sexual Trends Among Low-Income Black Urban Youth (Washington, DC) -For many low-income Black urban youth, sex is seen as little more than a transaction and mainstream messages about sex, love, and relationships are having little impact in the inner city, according to a new report from MEE (Motivational Educational Entertainment) Productions, released today by MEE, in partnership with the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. This extraordinarily frank report, This is My Reality-The Price of Sex: An Inside Look at Black Urban Youth Sexuality, summarizes findings from 40 focus groups conducted in ten cities in 2002, and offers many sobering insights from low-income Black youth (ages 16-20) on their views about sex, relationships, pregnancy, abstinence and marriage. The California Endowment and the Ford Foundation sponsored the report. "These Black youth wanted - and needed - to be heard, and we went into their communities and listened," said MEE President, Ivan Juzang. "For the most part, Black urban youth are not getting the information and guidance they need to make good choices about their sexual health They view sex as a transaction, harbor little trust for each other, and believe that adults are contributing to the problem of early, casual sex and pregnancy." In the U.S., 35 percent of girls get pregnant at least once by age 20. Despite recent declines, the U.S. still has the highest teen pregnancy and birth rates of any Western industrialized nation. African-Americans have achieved some of the steepest declines in both teen pregnancies and births. Between 1990 and 1999 (most recent data available), teen pregnancy rates for Continued to Page A7

gtEtfe ^Reporter Email: wvwv reporter140juno.com Your Reporter Newspaper j primary mission isto... "Cover th ? V#ua of Northeastern Ohio comprehensively, fairly, and accurately " ^ Light In The Darkness January 24,2004 thru january 3i. 2004 SECTION A 25 Cents Per Copy Report Critical Of U.S. Presence In Iraq Special to the NNPA from the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder MINNEAPOLIS (NNPA) - A study released recently by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said, "Officials misrepresented threat from Iraq's weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles programs over and above intelligence findings." The report challenged two of the Bush Administration's claims that led up to the war with Iraq. The administration said that Iraq had links to terrorist networks and possessed weapons that could pose an imminent threat to the United States. i But the Carnegie report brings into question the administration's failure to establish a link between Iraq and terrorist networks. There was "no solid evidence" that Saddam Hussein was connected to Osama bin-Laden or al Qaeda, the report said. It also stated that Iraq's nuclear program had been suspended for many years. Secretary of State Colin Powell disagreed with the findings of the Carnegie report. "This game is still unfolding," Powell said, and he reaffirmed his earlier position that Saddam Hussein did possess Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) and had used chemical weapons against Iraq's Kurdish population in the 1980s. However, Powell did acknowledge the lack of evidence linking Hussein to al Qaeda. In conflict with Powell's statements is the Carnegie report's statement that, "Iraq's largescale chemical weapon production capabilities were previously destroyed during Operation Desert Storm and Desert Fox." These two U.S.-led military operations occurred in 1991 and 1999 respectively, leaving a five to 10-year gap in time between Powell's references to Iraq's weapons program. The findings of the Carnegie report support what many opposed to the war have believed since President Bush declared his intent to wage war in Iraq: that the war was based on circumstantial and falsified evidence.Allegations made by a former Bush cabinet member, along with a study published by the Army War College, have further supported the Carnegie report. The evening of January 11, former Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill accused the Bush Administration of planning to overthrow Saddam Hussein prior to the September 11, 2001, bomb??? l ngs of the World Trade Center lowers and the Pentagon. "In the 23 months I was there, I never saw anything that I would characterize as evidence of weapons of mass destruction," O'Neill said in an interview on 60 Minutes. He added that the overthrow of Hussein was on the Hush agenda immediately when he took office three years ago. A report published by the \rmy War College, released to the public on January 12, said, ' The war against Iraq was not integral to the global war on terror, but rather a detour from it." Jeffery Record, a visiting research professor at the Strategic 1 1 I Studies Institute of the Army War College, also criticized the Bush Administration for not distinguishing al Qaeda from Saddam Hussein "The result has been an unnecessary preventive war of choice against a deterred Iraq that has created a new front in the Middle East for Islamic terrorism and diverted attention and resources away from securing the American homeland against further assault by an undeterrable al Qaeda." Record's report said. Military families and veterans have also voiced criticism of the Bush administration and the ongoing war in Iraq, as the num bers of U.S. casualties have continued to increase despite President Bush's announcement of the end to major conflict in May. According to the Department of Defense, there have been more than 2,800 wounded U.S. soldiers and more than 500 fatalities.The percentage of casualties among minorities, in particular, has steadily increased in recent wars. A study conducted by Scripps Howard News Service showed an increase in African-American deaths from 8 to 19 percent and a 2 to 14 percent increase in Latino deaths since the Korean War African-American soldiers represent 20 percent of U.S. fa-4 taiities in Iraq, according to 4 study reported by Scrippt Howard News Service "Nearly a fifth of the fatalities among U.S. troops in tne current war in Iraq are black, which will be the highest cost African Americans have paid in any of America's wars if the trend continues," the report said "Afficait Americans represent 13 percent of the U.S. population and 20 percent of all military person-* nel" The Scripps Howard study also said that deaths among Continued to Page A3 Black Press Of America Joins Hip Hop Summit To Boost Voter Registration ! A* election primaries get underway, a unique covergence of the newest cultural phenomena and one of the oldest forms of communication in the African American community join forces to Increase black voters. The first in a series of National HipHop Summit Network (HSAN) Tours convenes in Houston, Texas on January 31, creating a partnership between die Black Press of America, the National Newspaper Assoc itaion (NNPA) and the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network (HSAN) to register 20 million new voters over the next five years. HSAN President and CEO, - -De. Benjamin Chavis Muhammad said, "Over die next five years, we will work to capture the minds and hearts of young people to get them involved in impacting change in < their life through the ballot box. ! We welcome the support of i NNPA newspapers reaching over 15 million readers weekly. Their role can play an extremely i important part in our efforts to i reach and involve our youth in I the political proces." i HSAN Chairman, Russell i Simmons said, "HSAN is dedi- i cated to harnessing the cultural relevance of Hip Hop rtiuslc to serve as a catalyst for education advocacy and other societal concerns fundamental to the wellbeing of at-risk youth throughout uie United States." The theme of the Houston Summit is "Taking Back Responsibility: Youth Economic & Political Empowerment" and this year's goal is to register 4 million new voters. The key focus will be encouraging youth to register to vote and take part in the political process. In 2004, Hip-Hop Summits are also scheduled in Los Angeles - February 14, Chicago - March 22, Detroit - May 22, New York - June 17, and Boston - July 26. "The NNPA endorses and supports this effort to increase voter registration and participation," said NNPA Chairperson, Sonceria (Sonny) Messiah Jiles. Ms. Messiah-Jiles, publisher of The Houston Defender, said the Summit's objectives "fit perfectly with those of the NNPA." Ms. Messiah-Jiles said that attaining and retaining the right to vote is part of the 176-year legacy of the Black Press. "The Black Press was in the trenches as people fought, marched and died so that African Americans could vote. We fought a hard fight for this right and must encourage our young people to exercise their right and responsibility to vote. Registering young people to vote is only half of the goal. HSAN will launch several initia lives to mobilize young people i to get to the polls and vote through Hip-Hop Team Vote. Black voters have played a strategic role in a number of elec| tions across the country. In 2000, the percentage of registered Black voters who went to the polls in Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio and Pennsylvania exceeded fifty percent. Both organizations are non-partisan. In the pages of our newspapers, we make a concerted effort to let our readers understand the power of their vote and the impact of their vote on the quality of their lives," said Ms. MessiahJiles. "In addition to increasing Uhr number of roistered Voters, NNPA will continue its long tradition. of informing, educating and empowering our readers on the many issues that affect their lives." Houston Hip-Hop Summit participants include HSAN Chairman Russell Simmons, Sea "P.Diddy" Combs, Master P., Beyonce, Busta Rhymes, and Erykah Badu. To learn more about the summits visit www. h iphopsumm itactionnet work org or www.blackpressusa.com. ?en Ckavb Mnkamnad Soacerla Mwtiah-Jiles I U Russell Simmons Airline Security Program Has 'SLAVE' Overtones By Hazel Trice Edney WPA Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON (NNPA) - The proposed computerized federal airline security system that would require passengers to present identification, undergo a background check and be colorcoded, based on their perceived risk, harkens back to slave laws that prevented Blacks from traveling, says a Harvard University researcher who specializes in privacy issues. "What this is really reminiscent of is what happened on plantations during slavery when ? Black people or persons of color had to have passes in order to travel," says Richard Sobel, a privacy pdlicy researcher at the Harvard Medical School. "Essentially, the 13th Amendment ended involuntary servitude, but when you have to ask the government's permission to do certain things such as to travel or to work, you are no longer your own person." Despite strong opposition from civil libertarians and civil rights activists, the Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administra tion is pushing ahead with the socalled CAPPS 2 program with hopes it will be in full operation within a month. It is a heightened version of the Computer Assisted Passenger PreScreening program (CAPPS 1), instituted to heighten security following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.The TSA argues that current security measures, which centers on the scrutiny of packages and people in search of potential weapons - is not enough. CAPPS II would collect the Continued to Page A3 1 Men Making A World Of Difference Three men in the Edward s-Retd family were honored at the Akron Black Women's Leadership Caucus Significant Men's Breakfast on Saturday, January 17,2004 at Guy's Party Center. Gregory Edwards, Donald Thornton and Marcus Reid, Sr. poses with family members Tracy Reid, Morris Reid, Marcus Reid Jr., Toni Reid, Mrs. Georgia Edwards, Edgar Barnett and Rev. Dr. Leland LaMar Jones Sr. - guest speaker. Ms. Maggie Fain is ABWLC president. Allie Nicholson was the Mistress of Ceremony. Daphne Dingle was breakfast chairperson. For story and more photos, see Page A4. Photo by Bill Ellis Jr. Inducted Into The National Honor Society On November 21,2003, Jasmine Denise Dorsey was inducted into the National Honor Society in a ceremony at Garfield High School where she is a senior. She was awarded a full academic scholarship to Ohio State University where she will be attending in the Fall of 2004, majoring in English and French. She currently has a 4.2 GPA. Ms. Dorsey was elected secretary of her senior class for the 2003-2004 school year and she also serves on Leadership, Peer Mediation, Student Council and is a Big Sister/Mentor. She is listed in "Who's Who Among American High Schools." She is also a member of Antioch Baptist Church here Rev. Dr. J. Wayman Butts is her pastor. She formerly served on the Usher Board and president of their youth group. Sheisemployed at Kentucky Fried thicken as a cashier. She is the daughter of Ms. Valerie Cudgel Dorsey and Rev. Eddie Dorsey of Atlanta. Georgia. She is the granddaughter of Mrs. Velma L. Cudgel. Mrs. I.aura B. Dorsey of Atlanta, Georgia and Mr. Carl Love. Jasmine Denise Dorsey Sharpton To Receive Human Rights Award Rev. Alfred "Al" Charles Sharpton Jr., 2004 presidential candidate will be the recipient of the Alston-Jones International Civil and Human Rights Award at The Sit-In Movement Inc. 10th Annual Banquet. The banquet will be held on Feb. 6, in the Koury Convention Center. Greensboro, N.C. The event is being held in celebration of the 44th anniversary of the Sit-inMovement.Active in the civil rights movement since 1970, Sharpton is the founder of the National Youth Movement. In 2001, the human rights activist led a hunger strike protest after his arrest at the Vieques, Puerto Rico bombing range. Other award winners include Li John Withers, a leader of an all-black convoy in World War II. who violated Army orders to hide two young holocaust survivors in his trucking company, will receive the Trail Blazer's Award. The Sit-In Participant's Award will be presented to Rev. Mary Bender, one of the few white women to attend the predominately black Bennett College for women in the 1960s. Bender is being recognized for her courage and conviction in taking an unpopular stance within the majority community. Music for the banquet will be rendered by Mark Middleton of Blackstreet and Jimmy Person. For ticket info call (336) 2749199.King Day Community Awards Canton's Memorial Service, held at the Edward "Peel" Coleman Community Center, honored three citizens on Monday, January 19,2004. Allen Elementary School Principal Stephanie L. Patrick, Martin Luther King Jr. Program Chairperson (second from left) presents Community Service Awards to Sgt. Robert Easley, Ms. Bev Jordon, and Rev. Maurice King, pastor of Thomas U.M. Church . Rev. George Dunwoody, pastor of St. Mark's Baptist Church was the keynote speaker. Sandy Womack, principal of Lathrop Elementary School was the master of ceremonies. For more story and photos, see Section B. Photo by Bill Ellis Jr SCLC Service Awards Atty. Avery Friedman - Chief Council of the Fair Housing Council, Robin C. Cottingham - Senior Vice President KeyCorp, Lynnie G. Powell - retiring Asst. Deputy Director Cuyahoga County Board of Elections, and Dr. Larry L. Macon, Sr. - Pastor of Mt. Zion of Oakwood Village were honored at the SCLC's Third Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Dinner on Monday, January 19 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio. Former Mayor Michael White was the guest speaker Kim Johnson, of WZAK, was the Mistress of Ceremony. Rev. E. Theophilus Caviness - Pastor of Greater Abyssinia Baptist Church is Cleveland Chapter of SCLC president/CEO. Myron PICTURED: Robinson - Cleveland Urban League Executive Director watches as Robin C. Cottingham receives the SCLC Excellence In Service Award from Madelyn Y. Hardy - SCLC Executive Secretary. For story and more photos, see Page A6. Photo by Bill Ellis Jr. New Report Details Sexual Trends Among Low-Income Black Urban Youth (Washington, DC) -For many low-income Black urban youth, sex is seen as little more than a transaction and mainstream messages about sex, love, and relationships are having little impact in the inner city, according to a new report from MEE (Motivational Educational Entertainment) Productions, released today by MEE, in partnership with the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy. This extraordinarily frank report, This is My Reality-The Price of Sex: An Inside Look at Black Urban Youth Sexuality, summarizes findings from 40 focus groups conducted in ten cities in 2002, and offers many sobering insights from low-income Black youth (ages 16-20) on their views about sex, relationships, pregnancy, abstinence and marriage. The California Endowment and the Ford Foundation sponsored the report. "These Black youth wanted - and needed - to be heard, and we went into their communities and listened," said MEE President, Ivan Juzang. "For the most part, Black urban youth are not getting the information and guidance they need to make good choices about their sexual health They view sex as a transaction, harbor little trust for each other, and believe that adults are contributing to the problem of early, casual sex and pregnancy." In the U.S., 35 percent of girls get pregnant at least once by age 20. Despite recent declines, the U.S. still has the highest teen pregnancy and birth rates of any Western industrialized nation. African-Americans have achieved some of the steepest declines in both teen pregnancies and births. Between 1990 and 1999 (most recent data available), teen pregnancy rates for Continued to Page A7